Crab sustainability push takes key steps forward

A MAJOR development in sustainable seafood has been welcomed by Grimsby’s Young’s Seafood.

The Orkney brown crab creel fishery is set to formally enter a full assessment against the Marine Stewardship Council fisheries standard by independent experts over the next few months.

As part of its Fish for Life corporate social responsibility programme, Young’s has been an active participant in the Fishery Improvement Project for many years.

The aim was for the fishery to work towards MSC certification. The FIP has now been completed and the fishery has entered assessment stage, where if it meets the standard, it could achieve MSC certification within the next year or so.

This development could see a new source of delicious, sustainable MSC crab and lobster available in supermarkets this year.

David Parker, (pictured right), head of corporate social responsibility at Ross House, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the hard work of the Orkney fishery has finally been recognised and rewarded.

“Young’s is incredibly grateful that the fishery’s commitment to sustainability will ensure that Orkney crab will be available both now and for the future.

“As part of our Fish for Life corporate social responsibility programme, we’re proud to be involved in our local communities. The decision to begin this rigorous assessment proves that The Orkney brown crab creel fishery is an exemplar of sustainability and this is great news for UK fisheries as whole.

“We know that sustainability is important to our customers and we hope that this decision will encourage people to love fish now and for generations to come.”

The FIP participants have been supporting the fishery to become more sustainable through a range of activities, including scientific research to understand the biology of the brown crab, advocating improvements to the fisheries management system and financial contributions. MSC has supported through the provision of expertise on the application of the MSC standard and use of FIP tools.